Minnie (Parsons) Champlin 1878-1905

PARSONS, CHAMPLIN

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 6/13/2017 at 03:08:03

Minnie (Parsons) Champlin
March 11, 1878 ---- February 14, 1905

Mrs. Champlin Passes Away
The funeral of Mrs. T. B. Champlin whose death occurred on Wednesday morning of last week from consumption was held from the Christian church on Friday, the services being conducted by Rev. Cole. The interment was made in Oak Hill cemetery.

Minnie L. Parsons was born in Morris county, N.J., March 11, 1878, with her parents she come to Iowa in 1884. On January 12th, 1896, she was united in marriage with T. B. Champlin at Dows, and to this union a family of five children of whom three survive and who with their father share in the public sympathy that this hour of sorrow for them has provoked. Mrs. Champlin had been a member of the Congregationalist faith and since coming to Estherville had been a regular attendant at the Christian Church.

Estherville Enterprise ---- Estherville, Iowa
February 22, 1905

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Wright County Monitor -- Clarion, Iowa
March 1, 1905

Mrs. T. B. Champlin Dead

It becomes our painful duty to write of the death of Mrs. T. B. Champlin, who died of tuberculosis of the lungs at her home in Estherville, Feb. 14th, 1905. Minnie L. Parsons was born in New Jersey, March 11th, 1878; moved with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Parsons, to West Liberty, Iowa, where after several years' residence the family moved to this place in the spring of 1893, having purchased the farm now occupied by E. O. Ogden. Minnie was a faithful attendant of the Galt school, stood at the head of her classes, was a close and earnest student and became one of Wright county's successful teachers at an early age, having successfully taught the school in district No. 8, Blaine township, also the George Davis and the Wallace schools in Wall Lake township. She never lost her interest in those who were once her pupils and always made inquiries concerning them; was always interested in their successes and nothing pleased her more than to meet and greet those more than to meet and greet those with whom she had faithfully toiled in the school room. Who can estimate the value of an earnest, devoted teacher upon the lives of their pupils? During her residence here she was a constant attendant upon the church services, a valued member of the Sabbath school and was always a willing worker in whatever held her services seemed most needed.

T. B. Champlin and Minnie L. Parsons were married at Dows, Jan. 12th, 1896. They resided in this vicinity four years, and five years ago moved to Estherville where the husband became a railroad brakeman. Five children were born to them, three little sons being left to mourn a loving mother's tender care and devotion. The remaining children, a pair of twins born in August, 1904, were born with the dread consumption fastened upon them and did not long survive.

The beginning of the mother's sick is unknown, many different physicians being consulted during the years of 1903 and 1904, and none agreeing on the case. Finally a lady doctor was called and at once diagnosed the case correctly and informed the husband of the dangerous condition of his wife, advising that as soon as possible the patient be taken to Dr. Kime's sanitorium at Fort Dodge. This was accordingly done, and the patient remained about two months and during that time making such rapid improvement as to astonish not only her friends but the medical fraternity as well. The day previous to Thanksgiving she started for home, being anxious to spend that day with her loved ones, promising to return soon and complete the good work so well begun. Many things prevented her return and it was the first of last June when she again returned to Fort Dodge. While, there she endeared herself to all by her sunny disposition and pleasing ways; was an especial favorite not only of the other patients but also of Dr. Kime who showed her every kindness, and not a doubt remains in the minds of her husband and other relatives but that, he did more for her than any one else could do, and all feel confident that if she could have been under his treatment a few months sooner he could have effected a complete cure. She never tired of preaching Dr. Kime's gospel of sunlight and fresh air for consumptives. She always slept, even on the coldest winter nights, with the window raised high. It was an education in itself to hear her repeat in her
entertaining way the knowledge she had gained from Dr. Kime.

She was taken with a severe attack of the grip a few days before her death, and her weakened constitution could not bear this added weight of suffering. Dr. Stivson was called and did all possible to relieve her suffering and was present when the sad end came, Tuesday, Feb. 14th. We believe her passing away was as she wished it to be, in her own home surrounded by those nearest and dearest to her, also by kind neighbors and friends whose many kindnesses will never be forgotten.

The funeral was held at the Christian church Friday afternoon, Rev. Cole, the pastor, preaching an excellent sermon, after which the remains were laid to rest in the Estherville cemetery beside those of the little son and daughter who had preceded the mother to the better land. In accordance with the expressed wishes of their mother, the three little boys, Frank, Marvin and Loring, will live with their grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Champlin. The relatives in attendance were: Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Parsons of Blockton, parents of the deceased, her brother, Harry Parsons of Renwick, also Ray Champlin of West Branch and Misses Lillie and Allie Champlin of this place.

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Mr. and Mrs. T. B. Champlin of Estherville arrived Monday from Fort Dodge, where the latter has been for four months at the Kime hospital. After a visit at the home of W. P. Champlin they will return to Estherville, accompanied by their three little sons, who have been spending the summer with their grandparents.

Wright County Monitor -- Clarion, Iowa
September 28, 1904